AUDIO: 450 DWI Arrests Over Labor Day Weekend

ST. CLOUD (KNSI) - The Labor Day holiday weekend has come and gone, and during that time, hundreds around the state were arrested for driving under the influence.

Sergeant Jesse Grabow says, in spite of law enforcement campaigns and increased public awareness of high enforcement activity, 450 people were arrested for DWI between Friday morning and Monday evening.

Grabow says, while the high number is disheartening, only one person died on Minnesota roads over the long weekend, the lowest in the state since 2006.

And, that's far below the state's record, when 20 people were killed during Labor Day weekend in 1976.

Grabow says this summer in general has been devastating when it comes to traffic accidents and deaths. According to DPS statistics, Minnesota is about 20 fatal crashes ahead of last year.

He says, while we can't control the actions of fellow drivers, those who abstain from drinking and driving, stay off their phones and move over for emergency vehicles greatly increase their odds of staying safe on the road.